Sky is the limit

Sahar Askalan, the first women to start a legal firm in Oman is now aiming to build it up as an international Omani firm. Mayank Singh reports

Sahar Askalan, Principal of Sahar Askalan Legal Advocacy and Consultancy has major plans for her firm. “Our vision is big, this is just the beginning, we want to be an Omani law firm that is international, to enhance the stature of Oman legally. The journey of the million miles start with a one step.”
Askalan has studied law in London at the BPP Law School. She later did her legal training at Allen and Overy and Theodore Goddard (now known as Addleshaw Goddard). Askalan then moved to Paris to work with Clifford Chance. She shifted bases yet again by moving to Abu Dhabi to work for Richards Butler (now Reed Smith Richards Butler).


Taking charge

A project finance specialist Askalan felt that it was time to come back home after 16 years abroad, “As an Omani I thought it is important that I come back and give back to my country.” Coming back to Oman in January 2007, she worked for different reputable entities before setting up her own firm on April 12, 2009.

Looking back she says, “It has been almost a year and a half and it has been a challenge. In any business it is never easy, if one thinks that it is going to be a smooth ride then one is mistaken, one has to work hard and be consistent in the standard of work that one provides and that’s our aim.” Starting with two lawyers, the firm now has a six member legal team and three support staff. The firm has built up an impressive array of clients in a short span.

“I have never had problems with government bodies and clients, but I have had issues with some of the male lawyers. Once they get to know that I am not busy shopping everyday then they have a problem. A number of them joined thinking that they will be running the show, but once they find that I am a hands on attorney they get uncomfortable and leave one way or the other. After some teething problems I have now established an amazing team with extensive legal experience, in which we work together and learn from each other.”

She is grateful that she has an extremely supportive and understanding husband, a dad who is well experienced and willing to lend a helping hand and a mom who is there for her. “I call the three of them my triangle of support,” she says.

Working abroad I learnt that efficiency is the key, in addition one has to be on time, practical and to the point. Her advice to women is simple, “keep going and do not let anyone stop you, do not be put down by others negativity.”


 

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